This movie personifies a time of sheer incendiary, utopian nostalgia. Ferris is the sandman, transporting the ever-intuitive Sloan and tortured hero Cameron into the abyss that is Chicago. The catharsis of their katabasis, truly, is not in the emotional release that their carefree skip-day takes them, but the counseling that Ferris and Sloane secretly arrange for the dear friend. All leading to perhaps the most satisfying coming-of-age moment put to film, in which Cameron uses his father's car as an altar of his abuse. Endlessly rewatchable, sharp, witty, gratifying, and containing the most effusively joyful parade scene of all time.
The ultimate atmospheric horror franchise at its peak of action. Jamp-packed with iconic lines and truly visionary set-dressing, this film just sinks into me with sharp claws and leaves a mark for a long while after watching. If you haven't, absolutely read the Dark Horse comics original run in the late 80s-early 90s that was made as a proper end to Newt's story. It is so trippy and dark, just like this movie, and it will not let you down. It's a bit rare, but there's a copy at my local library back home.
I have listed this as my favorite movie since I first saw it in my sophomore year of high school. The stylized dystopia, the dramatic performances, the deep love of arts/classical music/great film/history...it all encapsulates me. The messages of anarchy, political organizing, direct action, and collectivist hope. The elaborate nested storytelling. The worldbuilding in such an effective amount of time. The performances by so many of the actors. The queer themes and critiques of eugenics, thought-supression, individuality, mental illness, and disability. There is nothing to dislike about this neo-noir anarcho-syndacalist masterpiece from the Wachowski Sisters.
